Olivebridge men burned house and garage after burglary, state police say

Olive >> Two Olivebridge men were arrested Tuesday for allegedly setting fire to a home and garage from which they had just stolen guns, motorcycles and other items, according to state police.

Justin L. Elmendorf, 20, and Michael S. Sanicola, 18, each were charged with the felonies of arson, burglary and possession of a weapon, police said.

State police at the Ulster barracks said troopers responded Monday evening to a reported structure fire at 622 Acorn Hill Road in the hamlet of Olivebridge and found the home engulfed in flames. The Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit determined the cause of the blaze to be arson, police said.

State police Lt. Sal Mecca said the fire call was received by Ulster County 911 about 6:20 p.m. He said the home was damaged by the fire but not destroyed.

Firefighters from Olive, Kripplebush and Accord put out the blaze, police said. Police said the residents of the home were out at the time and no one was injured.

Police said their investigation concluded two people had broken into the residence and a detached garage to steal items. The two, identified as Elmendorf and Sanicola, stole a 9mm handgun, three long guns, two motorcycles, chain saws and other personal property, all of which was recovered later, police said.

Following the thefts, Elmendorf and Sanicola set fire to the house and the garage, police said.

Mecca said he believed at least one of the two suspects lived nearby.

Elmendorf and Sanicola were arraigned in Olive Town Court and sent to Ulster County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail each.